Archive — US — techcrunch
Airbnb will now show users the total cost of their stay right away
Airbnb is introducing an update to show users the total cost of their stay upfront, including all fees. This change addresses previous complaints about hidden charges, with the feature being globally available. Initially tested in 2019, the new display method will replace an optional toggle used since 2022, enhancing transparency for both users and hosts about property pricing.
Key points
- Airbnb users often faced confusion over total costs due to hidden fees.
- The new feature shows total prices, including all charges, before taxes by default.
- This update follows years of testing in different regions, initially starting in 2019.
- In 2022, an optional price display toggle was introduced in the U.S. and 200+ countries.
- 17 million users have utilized the pricing feature since its initial rollout.
- Hosts can now compare pricing and see guest payment details before taxes.
Why it matters
- Customer transparency in pricing is becoming a vital trend in the travel industry.
- Similar practices are seen in e-commerce, where upfront pricing is preferred by consumers.
- This move aligns with the ongoing push towards user-friendly interfaces and experiences in digital platforms.
Airbnb's new pricing transparency is a direct response to user demands, reflecting a broader trend toward clear and upfront cost displays in the digital marketplace, hence enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.